I've found it easier to keep the USB stuff charged by using the bike (GoPro, phone). I'm curious too about the new crop of solar chargers and whether they'd be useful for camera batteries (when you're camping). Of course, a small cigarette lighter style inverter would be just the thing for camera batteries while riding.

We knew we had a solid riding day from San Agustin back down into the valley then back up north and over the mountains to the west to Popayan. Certain roads in this area were were told not to ride due to the possible FARC or ELN para military. When researching about Colombia that has been one of the risks. As in the past there were lots of kidnappings by these groups as that is how they funded there activities. So were were aware and asked about this, and have not had any issues.

We had to back track a bit but it was a beautiful ride out of the mountains... The cooler temperatures in the higher elevations has been great for riding. The valleys are very hot (90's).

We road along the River, which we needed to cross over before riding west.

We took the road that had a bridge that crossed over this big river. But as we road to the bridge. It was closed for repairs, and there were tons of Military guys in full gear. We could not figure out why they had all the riot type gear on? As there were not too many people around.

But they were super friendly, as we asked how to get around this bridge out.

But first they wanted to know about the bikes, the ride etc.

and to sit on the bikes to get a few photos!

Then a group photo.

The locals were crossing the river in Canoes

The river was really flowing fast, they wanted 20,000 pesos for each bike (about $10 bucks) and the other side looked like a real steep get out. We decided that it would be easier to ride down the road to the next set of towns as the map showed a bridge. A bus driver that was also their .... agreed. The canoe ride could have really been an adventure but the risk of losing a bike in the fast moving river..... felt like too big a risk.

We stopped for Breakfast... The same as we have had for about a week. Eggs, Plantans, and bread.

it took us about 4 miles to find a bridge as the GPS and maps seemed to not be correct. But we found one, and it took us up into the mountains on some rough dirt roads..... It was now about 2pm.... But we kept riding through towns that were on the map and then finally into La Plata which had a greta paved road going into it. so we though great we will make Popayan just before dark.

As we came into La Plata, we stopped for gas, and this wonderful Colombia woman got out of her car and came over to share how she loved that we were in her country riding our bike! No english but her enthusiasm was amazingly sincerely and genuine!! We have been treat so well, but this woman was the best!

She handed Candy to James for the both of us!

We rolled out of La Plata, which was about 100 + KM away from Popayan. The road turned right to unpaved gravel road continuing up into the mountains. Lush green hills overlooking the rivers and valleys below.

Was some great roads as we climbed higher into the mountains. Think we were at about 7-8,000 feet now.

Mostly just us, some little 125 Motos everyone else rides and a very rare truck or bus.

Stopped to wait for James, as he is on street tires

Amazing views.

and some cool waterfalls.

We continue to climb up and reached over 10,500 feet. It was a rough, then wet rocky gravel road that showed we were still 30-40 miles to Popayan, and it was getting dark fast. We both had camera's having problems

The temps started to drop as well, so we stopped to gear up a bit.

As we wound down the mountains into Popoyan it was dark (oops, I have always avoided riding at night on this ride except a couple times, which has been a Cardinal rule. But the bridge out cost of 2-3 hours + the rough mountain roads as well.)

But we arrived into Popayan and after a few stops to try to find a hotel with secure parking we found one. It cost us a bit more but was about $45 USD including breakfast for the two of us. We were both beat from 10+ hours riding! And we needed a place to take a day off to rest and enjoy.

New to your RR and finally caught up - great following you along on your journey. Inspirational, informative, and entertaining.

I have much the same type of plans for myself someday...the only question is when that someday is! Having spent time in Ecuador in 2002 and then Patagonia in 2004, I really look forward to riding there and exploring more of north SA, the Andes, Atacama...etc.

Keep up the great RR, enjoy, and be safe out there!

Mike

__________________
2007 BMW 650 XChallenge..
2009 BMW R1200 GSA..(Gone.. )
2004 BMW R1150 GSA (Gone.. )
"You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us." Robert Louis Stevenson

We knew we had a solid riding day from San Agustin back down into the valley then back up north and over the mountains to the west to Popayan. Certain roads in this area were were told not to ride due to the possible FARC or ELN para military. When researching about Colombia that has been one of the risks. As in the past there were lots of kidnappings by these groups as that is how they funded there activities. So were were aware and asked about this, and have not had any issues.

It is just nuts what groups say about certain areas, this is in constant flux and you just have to always ask the local bus drivers and the military from that area what the current condtions are. If I listened to what everyone told me I wouldn't be riding anywhere in Colombia. You just have to make your own choices by what you hear. You could have saved a lot of time and not ended up riding in the dark by going on the direct route from San Agustin to Popayan instead of going back up and around over to La Plata.
Popayan is in the top left above, aqua color track is the direct route instead of going all the way up to La Palta.
I was going to cross that same bridge but thankfully was informed by a local that it was not open. You are right on my tracks sort of. Maybe see you now or later. It's a good 5 to 7 hours depending on your speeds from Pasto to Quito. Goodluck, at least the border crossing should be very tranqullio for you two

Nice you took the time to go over to San Agustin, it is a nice archaeological site worth the visit.

If I don't see you today in Quito I will surely see you somewhere else along the way in SA. Take it easy amigo, I sent you a pm with my Quito contact for storage.